NBA Basketball Star Yao Ming Becomes UN Environmental Champion

Yao Ming, the 27 year old Houston Rockets National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star, who was born in Shanghai in the Peoples Republic Of China, is now an Environmental Champion for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Yao Ming is a national celebrity throughout China and is also a member of the Chinese National Basketball Team competing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He also runs the Yao Ming Foundation that operates under the theme "Giving Back".

Yao Ming was part of the NBA (National Basketball Association) 2002 Draft and was picked by Houston as their first pick. He stands 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m) tall and weighs 310 lbs (140.6 kg). His work as a UN Environmental Champion will be to communicate with governments, the private sector, and the public to promote a better appreciation of the need to preserve and effectively manage the Planet's environment for the future generations.

Yao Ming said in his acceptance of his role with the UN "I sincerely believe small actions done by many over a long period of time can really bring about positive change. By doing a little now, we can avoid doing a lot later. Please join me in this global team effort."

Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director, who has earned high praise for the global Planet restoration effort that he is promoting throughout the world, said of Yao Ming "As one of the most high profile athletes in these Games and with a fan base of millions across the world, I am sure that he can help us raise public awareness on the environment and Climate Change issues. I look forward to working closely with Yao Ming and wish him and all other athletes the very best for the Games."